Key Growth Stages of Oilseed Rape

Stage 1 : Germination and Emergence

• Sow between 2-4 cm deep depending on the moisture conditions of the year. 
• Aim to seed when there will be good soil moisture to facilitate germination.
• Use a precision single-seed drill for better emergence quality Autumn.

Targets for oilseed rape sucess :

• Fast, even germination – target to have the field at the 8-leaf stage before it enters the vegetative rest stage.  
• Good tap root development – ideally 10 to 15 cm long.  
• Field plant density is 25 to 35 plants/m2.  
• Rosette stage flattened to the ground before the beginning of winter. 
• In the spring, evaluate winter survival – WOSR has a high capacity to fill in available space.

Stage 2 : Autumn Growth

• You want plants to reach the 4-leaves stage as quickly as possible to limit the impact of autumn pests.
• Target for the plant to reach at least the 8-leaves stage before entering vegetative rest. 
• Control the risk of elongation. 
• Monitor fields for possible risk of nitrogen deficiency.

Stage 3 : Flowering

• Flowering lasts between 3 and 7 weeks depending on the weather conditions of the year.
• This is the period the crop is susceptible to Sclerotinia infection.
• Pod set and the number of pods is determined in this period. 

Stage 4 : Maturation

• Following flower, pod filling seed development begins. (thousand kernel weight) 
• Oil content is determined up to 60 days after the start of flowering. 
• Harvest begins at a standard moisture of 9%.